Gelatinous Elastomer Pillow Structure for Shape-Retaining Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pillows lack optimal support and comfort, often losing shape over time due to deformation under pressure, and fail to provide consistent spinal alignment during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A pillow design featuring a gelatinous elastomer cushion with deformable wall members that buckle under pressure, distributing load evenly and maintaining shape, combined with a stabilizing layer for enhanced support and breathability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pillows use soft cushioning material (synthetic foam, fiber, or down), then comfort is improved, but the pillow loses shape over time due to deformation under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using gelatinous elastomer with specific viscoelastic properties, combining softness for comfort with shape recovery capability. The material's unique rheological parameters allow it to deform under pressure for comfort then return to original shape, resolving the contradiction between comfort and shape retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite structures including gelatinous elastomer combined with breathable mesh layers and optional memory foam layers. This composite approach integrates materials with complementary properties: the gelatinous elastomer provides immediate comfort and shape recovery, while the mesh layers provide breathability and structural support, together preventing permanent deformation.
2Reliability
If conventional pillows use firm support structures, then spinal alignment is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The gelatinous elastomer's viscoelastic parameters are optimized to provide progressive support: initially soft for comfort, then progressively firmer to maintain spinal alignment. The material's time-dependent mechanical properties allow it to be comfortable immediately while providing reliable support over the duration of sleep.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow utilizes dynamic material response where the gelatinous elastomer adapts its stiffness in real-time based on applied pressure and duration. Under light pressure it remains soft for comfort, but under sustained head weight it maintains firmness for spinal alignment, providing both comfort and reliability simultaneously through dynamic adaptation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The pillow provides improved comfort and support by maintaining its shape and spinal alignment, preventing sinking and ensuring consistent pressure distribution, while being breathable and temperature-neutral.
Implementation Method 1
The first pillow cushion consists essentially of a gelatinous elastomer
Implementation Method 2
The deformable wall members configured to buckle when a pressure applied to the first major surface of the first pillow cushion, in a direction perpendicular to the first major surface, exceeds a threshold pressure level
Data Source
AI summary
A pillow includes a first pillow cushion consisting essentially of a gelatinous elastomer that is sized and configured to support a head and neck of a person using the pillow cushion and a second pillow cushion coupled thereto. The pillow cushion has deformable wall members located and configured to define voids therebetween such that the deformable wall members may be displaced into adjacent voids upon deformation of the deformable wall members. The deformable wall members are configured to buckle when a pressure applied to a cushioning surface of the first pillow cushion, in a direction perpendicular to a first major surface, exceeds a threshold pressure level. A pillow cover covers the first pillow cushion and the second pillow cushion. A method of fabricating a pillow includes enclosing such first and second pillow cushions in a pillow cover.